Opening the Spigot for the Heirs

How trusts can generate decent payouts for beneficiaries without taking too many risks.

The heirs to America's fortunes are growing impatient. With interest rates mired near zero and trusts restricted from taking on heavy risk, income payouts from many trusts have shrunk dramatically. Folks who used to collect $1 million a year from the family trust may now be getting less than $200,000. Some beneficiaries are taking matters into their own hands: They are suing the trustees. The number of lawsuits brought by income beneficiaries has climbed steadily since 2008, according to trust lawyers and wealth managers.